In an inspiring collaboration, Lenovo has teamed up with 321 Coffee, a small, independent café in Raleigh, NC, aimed at enriching community employment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Over the last four years, this partnership has not only provided vital technology support but also catalyzed significant operational growth for 321 Coffee.
321 Coffee embodies a commitment to purpose and inclusion. According to Megan Bornemann, Sr. Manager of NA Brand Strategy at Lenovo, “Small businesses are the backbone of our community, and our friends at 321 Coffee are an outstanding example of that. This is such an important relationship within our local Raleigh community because it truly embodies our mission to provide Smarter Technology For All.” This partnership underscores how technology can empower businesses to expand their missions while fostering community ties.
The collaboration began in 2021 with a simple video highlighting 321 Coffee’s work at a local farmer’s market. Fast forward to today, Lenovo has equipped 321 Coffee with an accessible roasting facility and integrated advanced technology solutions that have far-reaching implications for the business’s growth. This transition not only increased their roasting capacity but also created new job opportunities, leveraging technology to empower employees.
One major leap in this partnership centers around the integration of AI—the technology that initially feels daunting but holds the promise of streamlining operations. 321 Coffee’s core team, comprised of passionate individuals like Lindsay, Michael, and Mallory, manages multiple responsibilities daily. By implementing Lenovo’s AI-powered solutions alongside Microsoft Copilot, tasks that once required considerable time have become more manageable. For instance, daily administrative tasks that took hours can now be accomplished in mere minutes.
Lenovo has made this transition as seamless as possible, providing the necessary hardware, including AI PCs and ThinkPad laptops, alongside full Microsoft 365 and Copilot licenses. “Switching to a new system can be daunting, but Lenovo was with the team every step of the way, helping them take advantage of AI seamlessly,” Bornemann added.
One of the most transformative aspects of this technology partnership is the migration process. Lenovo’s Cloud Solution Provider specialists supported 321 Coffee as they transitioned to using Microsoft 365. This migration was not merely a technical shift but a strategic transformation that included personalized migration plans and around-the-clock support, addressing the unique challenges faced during such a significant change.
However, integrating advanced technology isn’t without potential challenges. Small business owners must grapple with the complexities of new systems and the adjustment period that comes with them. Nevertheless, Lenovo’s ongoing support provided 321 Coffee with the necessary tools and training to navigate this unfamiliar terrain. For instance, training sessions led by Lenovo’s AI Transformation Team ensured that the café staff could leverage their new AI tools effectively. By the end of this process, 321 Coffee reported saving up to 30 hours a week—an incredible return on investment in both time and resources.
The results are tangible. Tasks that once took Lindsay 30 to 60 minutes are now completed in just five minutes. Mallory humorously refers to Microsoft Copilot as her “intern,” as it helps streamline her repetitive tasks. Meanwhile, Michael boasts of coding efficiencies that have slashed shipping processing times from two hours to mere seconds.
Lindsay expressed her excitement about the future, stating, “What I’m so excited about for us is how we are able to do way more within our day through leveraging Lenovo and Copilot.” This sentiment epitomizes the transformation not just of 321 Coffee but also the potential that such partnerships can offer to small businesses at large.
The story of 321 Coffee and Lenovo illuminates how accessible technology can be a game-changer, highlighting that AI doesn’t only belong to large corporations but is a catalyst for growth in any size business. As 321 Coffee saves thousands of dollars and gains time to focus on their mission, it serves as a model for other small businesses considering their own tech upgrades. Lenovo’s commitment to empowering small businesses signals a transformative trend toward making technology a partner in their journey—not just a tool.
Business owners seeking more information about harnessing technology for growth can learn more about Lenovo’s initiatives at Lenovo’s Evolve Small, which showcases useful insights that could be the next step in their own technological journey. Additional details about Lenovo’s collaboration with 321 Coffee can also be found at Lenovo News.
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